As gas and airline continue to prices go up, and airlines are cutting back flights across the board, divers might want to look at more economical places to visit.  In May I wrote about wreck diving in Lake Erie and the Florida.  In addition there are articles about West Coast Diving and cave diving within the US at Bonne Terra.  There are places throughout the US and from coast to coast where you can do almost any type of diving you want (reef diving, wreck diving, fresh water diving), with the hassle of airline travel. 

Another place to consider is Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve.  Grand Traverse Bay has about 10 wreck and other sites to dive.  Diving or snorkeling in the US has many advantages. 

• You can take as MUCH gear and bags as you need (if you drive)
• Schedule to arrive and leave at your choice
• Take anything you want through security
• Take food and eat as you go without additional cost
• No extra cost for the wider seat
• Go to the rest room when you need to, not when they say you can unbuckle your seat belt
• Listen to any music you want, as loud as you want (almost)
• Have more fun

So pack your car with as much gear as you want (no baggage limit here) and you can probably drive no more than 1 day from just about anywhere to get bottom time. Even your non-diving partner can enjoy this trip.  Throughout most parts of the US, you can find above-the-water activites to do.  As you think about your next dive trip, consider somewhere in the US.  Spend a little less money and eliminate most, if not all, the hassle.

Send us a comment about local diving place you would recommend in the US.  Thanks for your help.